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Electric steering assist, anyone done in kit?
AdrianH - 15/3/10 at 08:14 PM

Just a question, maybe stupid, but has any one fitted an electric steering unit from say Corsa or Punto, or any other into kit car.

Not saying they are a requirement just wondering if it has been done and if it needs half of the management system to work?

Adrian

speedyxjs - 15/3/10 at 08:15 PM

Dont think you need the management system but you would need a steering sensor which may be built into the donor column.

I dont think anyone has a car heavy enough to need ps though

[Edited on 15-3-10 by speedyxjs]

tomgregory2000 - 15/3/10 at 08:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs

I dont think anyone has a car heavy enough to need ps though

[Edited on 15-3-10 by speedyxjs]


I can think of one ^^^^

blakep82 - 15/3/10 at 08:18 PM

i on the other hand think you DO need the management system, as the cars speed will affect the level of assistance in most cases.

rally design sell a kit i see, offering electric power steering for a mk2 escort rack i think. it has a knob to put on the dash so you can adjust the level of assistance. looks interesting. not cheap though


£600 plus vat

[Edited on 15/3/10 by blakep82]

speedyxjs - 15/3/10 at 08:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by tomgregory2000
quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs

I dont think anyone has a car heavy enough to need ps though

[Edited on 15-3-10 by speedyxjs]


I can think of one ^^^^


I thought someone would say that after i wrote it

Funniest thing is, i was originally going to fit ps lol

coozer - 15/3/10 at 08:19 PM

Corsa one is dead easy, theres kits on ebay to get them working.

I used to work at NSK where we made them and we could power them up and test them on the bench with power and a bit of noise to replicate the speed sensor.

Toyota Corrola 278 model one is smaller, lighter and more advanced and just as easy to set up.

40inches - 15/3/10 at 09:51 PM

I have fitted a MGF unit, still needs the ECU, but with a potentiometer to adjust assistance, guy on ebay does them for around £60, smaller and lighter than Cortsa unit.
Column fitted
Column fitted

hicost blade - 15/3/10 at 10:30 PM

I think the rally boys use them to stiffen up the steering for gravel stages to give them more feel rather than give them assistance

AdrianH - 15/3/10 at 10:45 PM

OK, thanks for the responses, my reason for asking was after doing an Autosolo at the weekend and watching others in cars such as Corsa's using virtually the flat of hand on wheel to quickly rotate the wheel, where as I was using hand over hand to get any speed steering. With more practice and a couple of weeks exercise I would probably not need it as I am just so used to power steering, that and my driving skills are non existent yet.

I use the standard Sierra column with a long'ish extension section at the bottom to the rack and contemplated using the PS as part of the extension so I did not replace my existing steering set up.

It gives me more to consider and take my time with.

I did find a Haynes manual for the Fiat Punto and looking at the wiring charts that would seem to be a very simple thing to use, but I can not see any means of varying drive, it was either full on or off, and from what I remember of the wife's car was extremely light when in city mode.

any way going on a bit. Thanks for the comments.

Adrian

MikeRJ - 15/3/10 at 10:55 PM

Just make sure that whatever you bolt the column to is up the the job. The columns can exert a lot of force, and having the mountings rip free would definitely spoil your day.